Behind The Cascade Curtain

The Cascade Curtain is a handy shorthand for the political and cultural gulf between the east and west of Washington state. But does it really exist?

In this four–part series Dominic Black finds out, exploring the similarities and differences between the wet side and the dry side. We'll hear from politicians, farmers, religious leaders and artists, and uncover the roots of our views of different parts of Washington state.

"Behind The Cascade Curtain" was funded by the KUOW Program Venture Fund. Contributors include Paul and Laurie Ahern and Puget Sound Energy.

When east meets west in Waitsburg, Washington, the Cascade Curtain seems strikingly immediate. In a town where 10–year residents are still considered newcomers, we explore the tensions that arise as changes take root in a traditional community.

The town of Richland, Washington, highlights the complexity of the divisions in Washington state. It's a place that is weighted with symbols, history and contradictions that offer some intriguing perspectives on the state as a whole.

What's it like being an outsider on either side of the Cascade Curtain? We'll hear what life is like for Keli Carender, a tea party activist living in Seattle, and George Fearing, a Democrat living in Eastern Washington.